When your teeth and jaw are not perfectly aligned, you can experience pain as well as a greater susceptibility to serious oral health issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease. An orthodontist has completed the necessary additional education and training to restore proper alignment to your teeth and jaw.

While there is no right or wrong age to begin orthodontic care for children, often orthodontists counsel parents to ensure the child has had an initial consultation before they turn 7 years old. This is because jaw and tooth alignment issues caught earlier can be easier and more affordable to resolve.

This is a term that refers to childhood or adolescents receiving orthodontic care. The two phases are called Early Interceptive Treatment and Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment, respectively.

Phase I typically takes place between the ages of 6 and 10, is of one year duration or less and is limited to adjustments deemed necessary to discourage early life habits like thumb-sucking and ensure optimal placement of arriving adult teeth.

Phase II usually begins only after the permanent adult teeth have arrived (often between the ages of 11 and 13).

Braces are often installed to aid in correcting misalignment of teeth and jaws. Today’s braces technology is quite advanced and gentle. In fact, there are only two main parts to today’s braces: the tooth brackets themselves and the arch-wire that connects the brackets together. The arch-wire does the heavy lifting in terms of gently but persistently moving your teeth into perfect alignment for optimal oral health.

The time can vary from patient to patient. In general, you can plan for anywhere from 18 to 24 months from treatment start to finish. As with any treatment, the more you participate in the treatment plan and maintain excellent oral hygiene, the quicker treatment is likely to proceed and the more pleased you will be with the results.

Installation of the brackets and arch-wire is not painful. What can be mildly uncomfortable is the slight, gentle movements initiated by the arch-wire placement and following orthodontic adjustments. Any noticeable discomfort or soreness can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relief and application of topical wax as needed.

Proper oral hygiene is more important than ever when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Be aware it may take a bit longer to brush and floss, but it will be worth it when you see the finished result.

Today’s modern braces will not cause damage to your teeth. The one exception is if you do not properly brush and floss, which can then cause some staining that only becomes visible when the braces are removed.